Franklin Downtown Partnership - cancellations Mar 20, Apr 2

The Franklin Downtown Partnership's Networking Breakfast on March 20 and its General Meeting on April 2 have been canceled. 

Please stay healthy during these unsettling times.

Franklin Downtown Partnership - cancellations Mar 20, Apr 2

Shared from the FDP Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/posts/1414672125380585

Temple Etz Chaim - to hold services virtually

Until further notice, Temple Etz Chaim will be holding services virtually during the COVID-19 emergency (no in person services at all).

To access the livestream, go to: https://temple-etzchaim.org/live

Temple Etz Chaim - to hold services virtually

From the Twitterverse: things to do in this pandemic time

From the Twitterverse: things to do in this pandemic time

#1

"FPAC presents Great Performances...At Home! Tune into our Facebook page at 7:30 pm EST every day this week for a LIVE mini-performance by an FPAC Favorite! Kicking us off tonight: Nick Paone! See you at 7:30!"

https://twitter.com/fpac_online/status/1239649440996212736?s=20

Late for this one as it was for Monday, tune in and find out who it is for Tuesday!

FPAC presents Great Performances...At Home!

For History and AP Government fans, pick your bracket to play along with Mr Walsh

#2

Happy #SelectionSunday! Optional #APGov assignment: make picks for Most Influential Advisor in typical prez administration. If your Final 4-Champ match mine, I buy you breakfast when we return.Turn in on G Classroom. Others, feel free to play for fun!

• The worksheet:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jPAh9IafkYsSt2qnnRZhRJPb0bo-2AQXLWXMYdnVEl8/edit

The original tweet:
https://twitter.com/MockWalsh/status/1239283348335460359?s=20

#3

Happy #SelectionSunday! Optional #US2 assignment: make picks for Most Significant Civil Rights Era Event. If your Final 4-Champ match mine, I buy you breakfast when we return.Turn in on G Classroom. Others, feel free to play for fun!

• The worksheet:

 https://docs.google.com/document/d/155x3QWwSkYO6psCj30bNQSmmBIY45ppNto8m_KFo2Wk/edit

The original tweet:
https://twitter.com/MockWalsh/status/1239284002122588161

"Coronavirus Is Our Future" | Alanna Shaikh | TEDxSMU

Have you wondered about where COVID-19 came from? What is a coronavirus? If you recall SARS and MERS, these were also coronavirus.

The best 16 minutes I've spent to get the background and valid info I have seen on the coronavirus.

"Global health expert Alanna Shaikh talks about the current status of the 2019 nCov coronavirus outbreak and what this can teach us about the epidemics yet to come.

Alanna Shaikh is a global health consultant and executive coach who specializes in individual, organizational and systemic resilience. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in public health from Boston University. She has lived in seven countries and it the author of What’s Killing Us: A Practical Guide to Understanding Our Biggest Global Health Problems. Recent article publications include an article on global health security in Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper and an essay in the Annual Review of Comparative and International Education. She blogs on coaching and personal resilience at www.thisworldneedsbrave.com.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Video link - https://youtu.be/Fqw-9yMV0sI





Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_East_respiratory_syndrome-related_coronavirus 

 
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severe_acute_respiratory_syndrome_coronavirus_2

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $10 Million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund

Small businesses impacted by COVID-19 will have access to capital assistance

"Today (3/16/20), the Baker-Polito Administration announced economic support for small businesses with a $10 million loan fund to provide financial relief to those that have been affected by COVID-19.

The $10 million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund will provide emergency capital up to $75,000 to Massachusetts-based businesses impacted by COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits. Loans are immediately available to eligible businesses with no payments due for the first 6 months. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) has capitalized the fund and will administer it.

“As our administration continues to take steps to protect the health and safety of residents, we recognize the hardships facing the small businesses that create the foundation of the state’s economy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This recovery loan fund is a new resource to help small businesses address emergency needs due to the disruption caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

Continue reading the article
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-10-million-small-business-recovery-loan-fund


How to Apply:

• Please complete the application found on MGCC’s website, EmpoweringSmallBusiness.org. 
• Completed applications can be sent via email to mgcc@massgcc.com with the subject line “2020 Small Business Recovery Loan Fund”.
• MGCC can be reached by email: mgcc@massgcc.com

Baker-Polito Administration announced economic support for small businesses

Announcement video link => https://youtu.be/FfzIhhGQKrI

MBTA Commuter Rail announces "2020 Reduced Service Schedule"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"With many workers staying home or heeding advice to avoid crowds, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is implementing changes to service.

Starting Tuesday, the agency will adjust the frequency of service on subway and bus lines. Commuter Rail schedules will be reduced and ferries will be canceled.

“While some of these changes are inconvenient, they maintain a responsible balance between protecting the health and safety of the MBTA workforce and our customers, and our goal of continuing to run safe and reliable service without major disruptions,” MBTA general manager Steve Poftak said in a statement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200316/mbta-and-commuter-rail-to-implement-schedule-changes-tuesday-in-effort-to-curb-coronavirus-spread


The revised schedule effective March 17
https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2020-winter/2020-cr-reduced-franklin-accessible.pdf

MBTA Commuter Rail announces "2020 REDUCED SERVICE SCHEDULE"

LIVE (Remote!) Concerts by Jamie Barrett

Howdy, folks!

Lots of LIVE concerts coming (remotely) too you soon for FREE on my YouTube Channel!

Click HERE to go to my YouTube Page:

https://www.youtube.com/user/Geetarmann

LIVE (Remote!) Concerts by Jamie Barrett

Be sure to click 'Subscribe' and ring the bell 🔔 so that you don't miss any of my upcoming shows!

Once again, that's:

https://www.youtube.com/user/Geetarmann

Thanks, everyone!

Jamie 🎸

Senior Center: April Veterans Coffee Social CANCELLED!

APRIL COFFEE SOCIAL CANCELLED!

The April 1, 2020 Veterans Coffee Social has been cancelled due to concerns about the Coronavirus.

Be well and stay tuned for updates!

Senior Center: April Veterans Coffee Social CANCELLED!

Enhancing Your Economic Security - May 7

Lifelong Community Learning is pleased to announce a special one-night expert panel discussion – "Enhancing Your Economic Security". The workshop, scheduled for Thursday, May 7, at Franklin High School is FREE and open to the public but registration is required. 

Whether you are part of the “Sandwich Generation” caring for both your children and your parents, or just trying to plan your next life stage, we’ve got you covered with this interactive panel discussion. We will discuss how to find a balance between competing financial priorities, help you plan ahead, and give you ways to cope with current obligations as well as future possibilities. 

Panel members will include a senior services expert, a financial advisor, a realtor, an investment manager, an attorney, and a visiting nurse practitioner.
After the presentation, participants will have a opportunity to meet the panelists one-on-one while refreshments are served.

For more information, go to www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com and click on Lifelong Community Learning. Or call Lifelong Community Learning at 508-613-1480.

ABOUT US: Lifelong Community Learning is a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing diverse and enriched education and experiences for all area residents and children – a resource for all ages.

Enhancing Your Economic Security - May 7

In the News: Stop& Shop opens early hours for seniors; Polar Park gets first steel beams

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Massachusetts-based grocery store Stop & Shop, with locations in Milford, Framingham and other area towns, announced it would begin offering special shopping times to accommodate and protect older customers.

“Effective on Thursday, March 19, Stop & Shop will create hours specifically geared to accommodate customers 60 and older,” the company said in a statement. “Stop & Shop stores will open from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. ONLY for customers over the age of 60 who the CDC and local health officials say are most vulnerable.”

The company said it was making the decision to allow community members in this age category to shop in a less crowded environment, which better enables social distancing.

Stop & Shop said it would not be requesting ID for entry, but added that they hope everyone would respect the purpose of the early opening, and “do the right thing for our older neighbors.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200316/stop-amp-shop-offering-special-hours-for-coronavirus-high-risk-shoppers/1

https://stopandshop.com/

"The first pieces of steel went skyward in Polar Park Monday and changed Worcester Red Sox president Dr. Charles Steinberg’s image of what will be come April 2021.

Before this, Steinberg couldn’t see much beyond the weeds, cracked asphalt and rocks above Madison Street that preceded what is becoming a ballpark.

“The vision is Larry Lucchino and Janet Marie Smith,” said Steinberg, while standing just above where the WooSox bullpen will be along the first base line. “They have 3D architectural talent that I don’t have. I imagine the cotton candy and the Cracker Jacks. I imagine where your seats will be and how many jalapeños are on your nachos.

“Larry and Janet Marie have that visual ability to see what could be, and they did it with Camden Yards. Larry had that vision, and Janet Marie was able to translate it to the architects. Larry had the vision of Petco Park in San Diego, and I did not. That’s not my area.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200316/first-steel-goes-up-at-worcesters-polar-park

MBTA: Franklin Line schedule change - (surprise!) weekend shuttle buses through April

Starting Tuesday, March 17 and until further notice, the Franklin Line will operate on a reduced schedule on weekdays in the interest of the health and safety of our riders and employees. 

Schedule details: mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin.

Weekends, through April, Franklin Train service is replaced by free buses between Forge Park/495 and Readville for a Fairmount Line connection while PTC is installed. There will be no service at Back Bay, Ruggles, Endicott, Islington and Norwood Depot.

For more information: https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin

Last Updated: Mar 16 2020 04:06 PM

MBTA: Franklin Line schedule change - (surprise!) weekend shuttle buses through April

Franklin Food Pantry: Coronavirus Update - March 16, 2020

"We want to thank our community for the amazing show of support that they have shown us over the past few days. We're so grateful for your donations to help us to continue to serve our neighbors through this crisis.

The Coronavirus poses an even bigger health threat to our community's most vulnerable populations - low-income individuals and senior citizens - who can't afford to miss work or an extra trip to the grocery store. With schools closed and many people out of work, we expect to see an increased need for our services. If you haven't had an opportunity and are able to donate, we'd appreciate your help. You can easily donate online. Thank you again for your support.

While our doors will still be open to all who need us, we are making some changes to ensure safety among our guests. We are limiting those who enter The Pantry. Effective immediately we are suspending our volunteer hours and will have less staff working. We will offer no shopping within The Pantry.

Instead, we ask that our neighbors keep their appointments and drive up to The Pantry and a staff member will bring prepackaged bags to their car or through walk up services. We will offer the prepackaged bags through April 6 and will reevaluate the situation then.

We are working closely with town officials and school administration to get the word out to the community that we are here for those that need us and also to discuss programs, such as the weekend backpack program, that are impacted by school closures. We will keep the community updated as plans are finalized.

In addition we also will be postponing two of our large Spring fundraising events: The Party for The Pantry and Empty Bowls. We know many of you look forward to these events and we will keep you updated when we are able to reschedule them. Thank you to our Sponsors for their support.

Please follow us on Facebook for regular updates.
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry/

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at lcalling@franklinfoodpantry.org"

Regards,

Lynn Calling
Executive Director
Franklin Food Pantry

Shared from the "Coronavirus Update - March 16, 2020"
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/coronavirus-update-march-16-2020/

Franklin Food Pantry: Coronavirus Update - March 16, 2020

Town of Franklin: Coronavirus Department by Department - Customer Services Update

Updated: March 16, 2020 4:00 PM

Coronavirus Department by Department

Customer Services Update

Based on the information provided in Governor Baker’s press conference this evening, effective today, March 16, 2020, the Franklin Town and School Administration offices, as well as all Franklin public buildings will be closed to the public through April 6th, 2020.

While the Municipal Building and other departments are closed for direct, in-person service, staff will be available for all regular business activities via phone, email and our online services center at www.franklinma.gov . 

For an emergency, please continue to dial 911.

Call the Statewide hotline at 211 or visit www.mass211.org for the most up-to-date information.

Reminder of Best Practices
All employees, whether at work or at home, should read CDC guidelines for personal hygiene and social distancing. These are the most important things any employee can do to help stop the spread and transmission of the coronavirus (or any virus!).

Center for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/Coronavirus/

Most up to date information in at the Town of Franklin website https://www.franklinma.gov/


Continue reading the update below or download your own copy of the PDF file:  
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t3i902Q8pe9yQLYCrnqVjTdBYXZkjDuN/view?usp=sharing

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 18, 2020

Agenda Meeting Date - March 18, 2020

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 12, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Agricultural Commission Associate Member: Charles J. Koshiva
b. Planning Board Associate Vacancy: Joint Meeting with the Planning Board
i. Town Administrator Memo & Candidates

6. HEARINGS 
- 7:10 PM - - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Animal Control Department
b. S.A.F.E Coalition Update
c. Purchasing Department Presentation on Procurement

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854: Changes to §185-40. Water Resource District - First Reading (Motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-17: Acceptance of Conservation Restriction to Protect Well 3A (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-17 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-855: Chapter 82, Water Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-855 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-856: Chapter 82, Sewer Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-856 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-857: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-857 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
a. Coronavirus Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- None Scheduled

ADJOURN


Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The meeting agenda and associated documents can be found
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N3bRsizwge7IW-Ks_U-JGM503kYs4FRA/view?usp=sharing

https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

School Committee meeting - March 10, 2020 - Recap

Among the key updates from the School Committee meeting of March 10,2020 were 

• presentation from Parmenter students on their "passion projects"
• Elementary school principals provided updates on their School Improvement Plans
• Superintendent Ahern provided an update from the FY 2021 budget discussion at the Town Council meeting the prior week
• Superintendent Ahern presented the first pass at the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) commitment required by April 1
• The consent agenda was approved without the Oak St trip item which was held for a future meeting
• The Committee entered executive session not to return to open meeting

School Committee actions taken:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_3-10-20_actions_taken.pdf

Superintendent's Report:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/news/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_march_10_2020.pdf


Additional details can be found in my notes captured during the meeting

• Live Reporting: Information Matters through to Closing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-information-matters.html

• Live Reporting: Discussion/Action Items - Discussion Only Items

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-discussionaction-items.html

• Live Reporting: Guests/Presentations

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-guestspresentations.html

• Live reporting: School Committee - March 10, 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-school-committee-march.html

Elementary school principals provided updates on their School Improvement Plans

Parmenter students presented on their "passion projects"